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Monte Carlo: Goffin Downs Djokovic, Nadal Advances

Apr 21st 2017

David Goffin upset second-seeded Novak Djokovic 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 while Rafael Nadal overcame a spirited effort with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Diego Schwartzman at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters.

Djokovic noted that Goffin was a tough opponent after his round-of-16 win and that turned out to be accurate as the Belgian came out on top in a thrilling three-setter.

Goffin sprinted to a quick start in a first set where he capitalized on his quickness and energy but the former world no. 1 turned the match around to even play in the second as he began to look more comfortable.

Goffin and Djokovic

The two players traded licks in a competitive third set after the Serb appeared to regain his rhythm. But with the sun at a difficult angle, Djokovic served to stay in the match at 5-6. Goffin quickly earned two match points. However, Djokovic fought them off.  But not to be denied, the Belgian gained three more attempts to close out the match and although Djokovic saved two, Goffin finally broke to take the set and match on his fifth opportunity.

It was the first time Goffin has defeated Djokovic in six tries. “It was a great match, a great feeling, a great atmosphere,” Goffin said afterward. “For sure the best win of my career.”

“We had a lot of exchanges, a lot of rallies,” Djokovic said. “David is playing very quick. He's a fast player. I thought I played very, very well for a set and a half, from the start of the second set. Then that unfortunate game when I dropped my serve, the match turned around. I had my chances, I definitely did. I just didn't use them.”

Meanwhile, Nadal continued towards his goal of a 10th Monte Carlo title. But not without having to overcome a gritty performance by the Argentinean who gained an early break in the first set against the Spaniard. And after Nadal rallied to gain a 4-1 edge, Schwartzman nearly ran off four straight games before the veteran rebounded and finally locked down the set.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal parlayed his momentum into the second set where he jumped out to a 2-0 lead. That lead was quickly erased as Schwartzman battled back to take a 4-2 edge. However, Nadal would rattle off 4 straight games to close out the match.

“It wasn’t easy to find a real way to win, but I played much better in the last three-and-a-half games, more aggressive with my forehand. I finally found the way to create damage on the opponent,” said Nadal. I am in the semi-finals. That's what I'm looking for, a great start to the clay-court season.”

The win sets up a semifinal match with Goffin.

The second semifinal will pit Lucas Pouille against Albert Ramos-Vinolas, both winners on Friday.